LOGINJax’s POVThe company name still clawed at my brain, a persistent itch I couldn’t scratch. It wasn't just unfamiliar in the usual sense, like a new business, but familiar in a way that stirred old, unpleasant memories. “Vanguard Logistics ,” I mumbled, watching Silas type it into the computer. “Are you sure it’s nothing?”Silas grunted, his fingers flying over the keys. “I told you, Jax. No major online presence, barely any public records. It popped up out of nowhere a couple of years ago.” He glanced at Rook and Dare, who were leaning over his shoulders, equally invested. “It’s like it was built to be invisible.”“That’s what’s bothering me,” I said, pacing the small, dusty room that housed our pack archives. The air smelled of old paper and dust motes danced in the slivers of sunlight piercing the blinds. “’Out of nowhere’ doesn’t happen with a company this size, not without a damn good reason.”Rook straightened, a frown creasing his usually jovial face. “So, you’re thinking wh
Jax’s POVThe scent of oil and exhaust fumes hung heavy in the air as I pulled into the industrial park. Silas, Rook, and Dare were already out of the truck, their eyes scanning the rows of nondescript buildings. Maddie had told us the name of the company, ‘Vanguard Logistics ’, with a cheerfulness that grated against my nerves. I kept turning the name over in my head. Shadowfall. It pricked at something, a half-forgotten whisper from an old pack story, or maybe just a bad feeling."Any luck with that name, Silas?" I asked, my voice rough.He shook his head, running a hand through his dark hair. “Nothing solid. Not a big player, no public records of note, but it popped up fast. Too fast.”“Shadowfall,” Dare muttered, his gaze fixed on the building with the glowing crimson logo. “Sounds like a villain’s lair, honestly.”Rook snorted, but there was no humor in it. “More like a bad joke. But Maddie’s not laughing.”We’d tried to be subtle. Maddie had been so excited about her job, even a
Maddie's PovMy breath hitched. My heart hammered against my ribs, a frantic bird trapped in a cage. My supervisor, Mr. Harrison, stood over my desk, his face a mask of stern disapproval, holding up a file that looked sickeningly familiar.“Ms. Madeleine,” he said, his voice clipped, “can you explain why the confidential ‘Project Chimera’ proposal was found in your workspace?”My eyes darted to the file, then to his face. “What? No, that’s impossible. I didn’t even touch that file. It wasn’t on my desk.” My voice sounded weak, reedy even to my own ears.He raised an eyebrow, a clear sign of disbelief. “It was reported missing barely ten minutes ago. We initiated a search, and lo and behold, here it is, tucked neatly under your keyboard.”My gaze flickered around the office. Every head was turned towards us. Whispers, like a sudden gust of wind, swept through the cubicles. I could feel their judgment, their accusations, heavy in the air. This was it. This was what those bullies wanted.
Maddie's PovI walked into work on Monday, trying to shake off the weekend jitters. Kiara waved at me from her desk, and Tim gave me a quick nod. It almost felt normal, but the tightness in my chest was a constant companion now.“Morning, Maddie!” Kiara called out. “Rough weekend?”I managed a weak smile. “Something like that. Just ready to tackle this week.”She gave me a sympathetic look. “You got this.”I settled into my cubicle, pulling up the project files I needed for the big client presentation. Mr. Harrison was expecting my report by end of day. I clicked on the shared drive, but the file I needed, ‘Project Chimera Phase Two’, wasn’t there.I frowned, scrolling through the folders again. It had to be here. I’d seen it Friday afternoon. I typed the file name into the search bar. Nothing.My stomach knotted. “Hey, um, does anyone know where ‘Project Chimera Phase Two’ is?” I asked, my voice a little too loud.A few heads popped up, then quickly ducked back down. Across the aisle
Maddie's POV “Good morning, everyone!” Kiara’s voice was like sunshine, cutting through the usual office hum. She leaned over my desk, her short, choppy red hair bouncing. “Ready for day two?” I smiled, feeling a genuine warmth spread through me. “As ready as I’ll ever be. This is still all so new.” “You’ll get the hang of it,” Tim said, walking past with a stack of files. He was a lanky guy, always impeccably dressed, and had a reassuring, calm way about him. “Don’t let the initial information overload get to you. Everyone feels that way.” “See? Told you!” Kiara grinned, winking at Tim. “Teamwork makes the dream work, right?” “Right,” I echoed, a light laugh escaping me. It felt good. Really good. This was exactly what I needed—normalcy, a new routine, friendly faces. No pack drama, no controlling alphas, just… work. We spent the morning in training sessions, going over company policies and software. Kiara and Tim were always quick to answer my questions, making sure I never fe
POV MaddieThe glass doors of Vesper Holdings whispered shut behind me, sealing out the morning chill. The lobby was all polished marble and sleek, minimalist furniture, humming with the quiet energy of a high-end corporate machine. "Madeleine! You’re right on time," a voice chimed. It was Sarah, the manager who had interviewed me. She beamed, her demeanor just as warm as it had been during the hiring process. "How are we feeling? First-day jitters?""A little," I admitted, clutching the strap of my new leather bag. I’d spent yesterday arguing with Jax and the others, my heart still stung from the way I’d snapped at them. Being here, in this professional environment, felt like a victory for my independence, even if a small part of me missed the safety of the clubhouse. "But I’m mostly just excited to get started. Thank you again for this opportunity, Sarah.""Oh, nonsense. We’re the lucky ones. Come on, let’s get you through orientation and meet the team."Sarah led me through a seri
Madeleine's POVDust gathered on my face as a heavy object rolled me down the street. I heard the distant sound of vehicles and how closely they moved past me, but my eyes did not open.It felt like a dream. It seemed like I was in the middle of nowhere, with my hands and eyes tied up by my captor,
Madeleine’s POVI stared up at the tall oak trees before me, glaring at the beauty of the skies. I noticed the gradual disappearance of the full moon. The deed had been done.I'd been rejected by my mate. I'd been cast out by the same pack that I'd served for twenty-four years. The same guards who
Madeleine's POVI ran quickly towards the stage, hoping the guards wouldn't block me from getting there. No one had stood up to present themselves as the Alpha's mate. Was that not enough proof that I belonged to him?“Step back. Calm down. Have you forgotten who Damon is?” I said in my mind, but m
Madeleine’s POVIt was almost time.I heaved a deep breath, clasping my palms around the sides of my head to reduce the noise coming from the Grand Mating Ceremony Hall.Everyone was anticipating the full glow of the moon. The hall was packed with stars. Several Alphas sat at the high tables, wavin







